Welcome to my fourth newsletter in this very special Bicentenary year.

The first quarter of my Presidency has flown by. As we move into summer, we have a welcome opportunity to pause before a packed programme of events. Whilst things may seem quieter, our team is hard at work preparing for a busy and exciting season ahead.

Here's a look back at some of our recent events.

12/07 – Durham Cathedral Matins for the Courts Legal Service

It was an honour to wear full legal robes and join the procession from Durham Castle to Durham Cathedral alongside members of the judiciary, civic leaders and representatives from the police. The service recognised all those who administer justice in our region, from judges, magistrates and court staff to barristers, solicitors and everyone working across the legal profession.

15/07 – Newcastle Legal Walk

Despite England's World Cup semi-final taking place the same evening, nearly 80 legal professionals joined us to support the Access to Justice Foundation. It was wonderful to see so many firms, alongside our friends at New Park Court Chambers, enjoying the sunshine whilst raising vital funds. A huge thank you to Olivia Horne and the team at Womble Bond Dickinson for organising such a fantastic event, and congratulations to Hay & Kilner for my unofficial 'Best Team Kit' award!

27/07 – Swearing-in of District Judge Samuels

I was honoured to attend the swearing-in ceremony of District Judge Samuels at Teesside Combined Court. Having built her career in family law with Tilly Bailey & Irvine after studying at Teesside University, it was a privilege to welcome her into this important judicial role on behalf of the solicitors' profession.

We're looking forward to a busy autumn, with the following events coming soon:

• Pan Professional Lunch – 16/09
• AML Dinner – 22/09
• Managing Partners' Forum with Simon McCrum – 24/09
• Property Law Seminar – 30/09

Our With the Law on Our Side event on 24th September has now sold out. My sincere thanks to Trinity Chambers for helping to bring this event to life in support of Smart Works North East and for securing Lady Hale of Richmond DBE as our keynote speaker.

Our Bicentenary Law Dinner on Friday 9th October is also shaping up to be a fantastic evening. We're incredibly grateful to our sponsors for supporting this milestone event, and I'm looking forward to welcoming our guest speaker, Shaun Wallace, as we celebrate 200 years of our Society.

If your firm has a rich history or archive you'd be willing to share, I'd love to hear from you. We'd love to showcase remarkable stories from firms across our region during our Bicentenary celebrations.

Finally, I'm delighted to report that our membership has now grown to almost 900. It's been wonderful to welcome colleagues from Cumbria and Tees Valley, and we're looking forward to announcing even more events across those areas soon.

Enjoy a well-earned summer break, and I look forward to seeing you at one of our autumn events.